Psoriasis is universal in occurrence (1), affecting males and females equally
Prevalence varies with race and geography
it is greatest (3%) in northern Europe and Scandinavia and lowest in North American Indians (0.5%)
around 2% of the population in the UK is affected by psoriasis (1)
there is a clear genetic link established by HLA, family and twin studies, especially in those whose disease had an early onset and in patients with a positive family history (1)
according to a number of large studies a bimodal age of onset has been documented with the first peak from 15-20 years and the second at 55 -60 years (2)
onset is most common between 15-40 years of age. It is rare under 10 years. The mean is 28 years
a seronegative arthropathy occurs in about 7% of patients
NICE suggest (3):
is uncommon in children (0.71%) and the majority of cases occur before 35 years
plaque psoriasis is characterised by well-delineated red, scaly plaques that vary in extent from a few patches to generalised involvement
by far the most common form of the condition (about 90% of people with psoriasis)
other types of psoriasis include guttate psoriasis and pustular (localised or generalised) forms
distinctive nail changes occur in around 50% of all those affected and are more common in people with psoriatic arthritis
several studies have also reported that people with psoriasis, particularly those with severe disease, may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer
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